A HEROIN addict who quit York to escape the city's drugs scene was back in court yesterday in Harrogate.

Magistrates heard how Deborah Williams, 28, had been made subject to a drug treatment and testing order before she left York last December, intent on starting a new life and putting 27 convictions for dishonesty behind her.

But within two months, she and a friend were in Harrogate's Asda store where DVDs and food were put into a basket before clothing from a display was placed over a security camera. Williams put the stolen goods into carrier bags and walked out.

When Williams, now of Lancaster Way, Harrogate, admitted theft and breach of the drugs order, imposed for ten dishonesty offences, she was jailed for eight months.

Court chairman John Carter told her that, after the drugs order and community penalties had been tried and had failed, prison was the only option the court was left with.

In mitigation, Geoffrey Rogers said Williams was realistic enough not to attempt to dissuade the court from sending her to prison.

But she had breached the drugs treatment order because she had been depressed by the death of her father and was unable to cope with her circumstances.

Mr Rogers said Williams was now being prescribed methadone.

Now she had cut her ties with York, she did want to return.

''She wants to make a go of things in Harrogate and intends to stay off heroin,'' said Mr Rogers.